'Two big stores' heading to Colchester Lion Walk after Pret news

Lion Walk Shopping Centre boss Martin Leatherdale has teased the prospect of two established brands launching in the city centre.

It comes after Pret A Manger, which sells everything from hand-warming coffee and sweet snacks to fresh sandwiches, confirmed it will open a branch in the complex.

The eatery is set to move into the now-vacant iStore following its expansion into two units in Culver Square which were previously home to Paperchase and EE.

The arrival of Colchester’s Pret will create several new jobs for residents.

Site - The vacant unit - once occupied by iStore - which Pret A Manger will now move into (Image: Newsquest)

It will also give customers the chance to enjoy five barista-prepared drinks a day and 20 per cent discount when they join the Club Pret loyalty scheme.

According to Mr Leatherdale, however, Pret is not the only firm heading to the city.

He said: “The addition of Pret is a fantastic thing and testament to the progression of Colchester as a city.

“We are really looking forward to having them in the scheme. It has enabled iStore to expand and will bring a brand new international proposition fit for a city of the future.

“We really are making some progress we have opened three brand new stores last week - Minoffles, Maddox & Dean and Castle Aesthetics.

“It is great to bring shut a top brand in Pret to the city and we are also going to be opening another two big stores in the New Year…”

Retail - Lion Walk Shopping Centre, in Colchester (Image: Newsquest)
Shops - The Post Office in Lion Walk Shopping Centre, Colchester (Image: Newsquest)

Guy Meakin, Pret’s UK shops and franchise director, said he is thrilled to be able to be establishing a presence in Colchester’s city centre.

He said: “We’re excited to be opening another shop in Essex with our franchise partner The Chesterford Group, as we continue growing Pret’s footprint in the county.

“Our aim is to bring Pret’s freshly made food and organic coffee to more people in towns and cities across the UK.

“So we look forward to joining Colchester’s and welcoming customers next year.”

Pleased - Martin Leatherdale, manager at Lion Walk Shopping Centre (Image: Newsquest)

The news of Pret’s move into Colchester comes after stores in Lion Walk Shopping Centre registered record sales and footfall exceeded pre-pandemic levels.

The centre’s retail vacancy rate will also soon be at just one per cent compared to a national average of 12 to 15 per cent.